Chargers go offense on third day

Rounds 4-7

Ladarius Green

Position: Tight end

College: Louisiana-Lafayette

Height, weight: 6-6, 238

Outlook: Scouts talk about potential. This guy has it. Easily among the most athletic receiving tight ends in the draft. The raw skills do need some honing. He must continue to fill out his frame and improve his blocking. But given the size, speed and natural catching ability, the upside exists for an eventual impact player.

Johnnie Troutman

Position: Guard

College: Penn State

Height, weight: 6-4, 327

Outlook: The Chargers did their homework here. Yes, in 2011, he was charged with driving under the influence. Yes, he dealt with knee issues and recently had pectoral surgery. All that factored into why Troutman was available in Round 5. But the Chargers believe those maturity issues are behind him, and with his on-field ability, the health can prove worth the wait.

David Molk

Position: Center

College: Michigan

Height, weight: 6-2, 287

Outlook: Molk won the 2011 Rimington Trophy, awarded to the nation’s best center, but was the fifth center drafted. Call it a pleasant surprise. The Chargers were glad to swoop in and take the Combine’s top bench-press performer among the offensive linemen (41 reps at 225 pounds). Shorter height and a charted injury history contributed to his fall, but he’s tough as nails, playing through a torn tendon at the Sugar Bowl. Backup center Colin Baxter will have competition.

Edwin Baker

Position: Running back

College: Michigan State

Height, weight: 5-8, 205

Outlook: Baker, nicknamed “Rock,” was the Spartans’ workhorse in 2010, rushing for 1,201 yards with 13 touchdowns. His role lessened last year as a physical change of pace to LeVeon Bell, and he declared for the draft a year early. Baker will find plenty of competition in camp, including a potential veteran free agent yet to come, but he’ll have his chance to compete for an NFL roster spot.

A defensive draft struck a different chord in its Saturday finale.

Beginning with an athletic tight end coveted for his receiving potential, the Chargers added four offensive players in the final rounds of the three-day NFL Draft.

Along with Louisianna-Lafayette’s Ladarius Green in the fourth round, San Diego selected Penn State guard Johnnie Troutman in the fifth, and in the seventh, Michigan center David Molk and Michigan State running back Edwin “Rock” Baker.

The Chargers, in the two days prior, drafted former South Carolina outside linebacker Melvin Ingram, Connecticut defensive end Kendall Reyes and LSU strong safety Brandon Taylor.

“Each of these guys,” coach Norv Turner said, “there’s a place for them to come in and compete and have an impact on our team in some way. Each of the seven guys bring a unique physical presence, and that’s a positive for me.”

The Chargers have been searching for a young receiving tight end.

Green fits the bill.

At 6-foot-6 and 238 pounds, he ran a 4.53 in the 40-yard dash at the Combine, the second fastest time at his position. In his final career game, he caught five passes for 121 yards and a score against San Diego State at the New Orleans Bowl.